Many people believe female dogs make better pets than males.
Most calls for pets are requests for a "sweet little girl". They don't think that females display the alpha behaviors such as marking and/or humping. It is believed that they are more docile, attentive, and do not fight over dominance. Well, this is definately not true! They don't call them a "Bitch" for nothing.
In the dog pack, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, who competes and alters that order. The female dog is as a result, more independent, stubborn, and territorial than a male. Females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in behaviors such as "humping". There is a reason people use the technical term Bitch in a negative way. It refers to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world. Most fights will break out between two females, a male on the other hand, only provokes other males if there is a female in heat. The male stakes his claim on his mate and doesn't want another male to move in on his territory. Males are very attached to their people, more steadfast, loyal, and less moody. They are more exuberant, attentive, and will be more demanding of your attention. They are more outgoing and adapt much easier to children, easily motivated by food, and praise which makes training so much easier. Males can become more distracted during training because of their good nature and eargerness to play. They love to play no matter what age. Males are fun loving until the day they die. Females tend to become more dignified, moody, and reserved as they age. Boys don't always get bigger than girls. A variety of sizes can be found regardless of the sex. Neutered males rarely exhibit humping, marking, or lifting of legs.
Once the testerone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors, if they ever existed, will disappear. Boys who are neutered early (at 4-5 months old) usually don't lift their leg to urinate. Boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand, while the female will come to you for attention and when she has had enough will move away.
Females are usually less distracted in training as they are more eager to get it over with and get back to their comfy spot on the couch. The female is usually more cunning and resourceful in getting what she wants. One day she may be sweet and affectionate and the next day reserved, withdrawn, or even grumpy. She is much more prone to mood swings. Females also have periods of "being in heat" unless they have been spayed. You SHOULD have your female spayed. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare that occurs twice a year, not just for the female but also for you and every male dog in the neighborhood.
In heat, she can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere else she goes. She is particularly moody and emotional. Taking her for walks at this time can become hazardous if male dogs are in the vicinity. She will leave a scent for wandering intact males to follow right to your front yard, where they will hang out for days. If your female ends up pregnant then you have a whole new set of issues to deal with. Unlike a neutered male, a spayed female will still exhibit dominance and aloofness. Spaying and neutering your dogs young will give you a healthier family member and eliminate undersirable behaviors in the male and most undersirable behaviors in the female.
Be sure to consider other dogs that live in or around your home before deciding whether to get a new male or a female dog. Now, will a male or female be the best fit in your life and home?
